How should I prepare for a laser treatment?
There are some steps you should take to get the best result from your laser treatment:7
- Avoid tanning and apply sunscreen every day
- Avoid medications that can make bruising more likely, like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil supplements, and vitamin E
You should notice results right away for small veins. It may take a few weeks for the appearance of larger veins to fade. Taking care of the affected area is important after treatment:7,8
- For up to 24 hours after treatment, you may have redness or other discoloration, irritation, swelling, peeling, or bruising
- Avoid sun exposure
- The area should be fully healed within seven days
- The birthmark may not fully disappear, but the results are permanent
It is possible to improve the look of your skin and improve your confidence with laser treatments. Birthmarks are treatable and can be lightened by up to 70 to 90 percent. Laser treatment is non-invasive, and pain and discomfort during and after treatment are minimal.7 Treatments can be repeated every three months until you are happy with the results.
As with all treatments, there are some risks associated with laser treatment. These risks are greatly decreased when the procedure is done by a qualified professional.7 The risks include: pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, scarring, crusting, changes in skin color.